undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent ˌən-dər-ˈwent  ; undergone ˌən-dər-ˈgȯn 

 also  -ˈgän

; undergoing ˌən-dər-ˈgō-iŋ 

-ˈgȯ(-)iŋ

transitive verb

1

: to submit to : endure

2

: to go through : experience

undergo a transformation

3

obsolete : undertake

4

obsolete : to partake of

Synonyms

• endure
• experience
• feel
• have
• know
• pass
• see
• suffer
• sustain
• taste
• witness

Examples of undergo in a Sentence

She will have to undergo an operation.

some people undergo a complete transformation while away at college

Recent Examples on the Web

The touching family drama — which also has comedic elements — is set in 1992 Peru as the country undergoes social and political upheaval. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron invited William to Notre Dame's reopening on his father’s behalf while Charles, 76, is still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. —Simon Perry, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

William attended the ceremony on behalf of his father, King Charles, who’s been undergoing cancer treatment since earlier this year. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 7 Dec. 2024

The Lions announced the defensive lineman underwent concussion protocols, but returned to the game at the start of the second quarter. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent

-ˈwent

; undergone -ˈgȯn 

 also  -ˈgän

; undergoing -ˈgō-iŋ 

1

: endure sense 2

undergo an operation

2

: to pass through : experience

undergoing a change